My Favorite Vegetable

The reason why I’m on radio is because I don’t look good on television.

No, I am not going to blabber about the good quality, or the lack thereof, of my genes.

Yes, I am about to tell you about my other profession…my other passion…which, believe it or don’t, is largely responsible for equipping me with the skills and the discipline which I needed to be good in teaching, learning, and most importantly in communicating.

I discovered radio on one sunny April afternoon while on store duty at my elder sisters’ “sari-sari”store. It was just like any other day at the store – my mind was elsewhere. Then, the radio dj said something that I couldn’t recall now but which I thought was simply funny. Or perhaps it was too corny which made me say to myself, “I could do that! I could make people laugh and I can be funnier than that dj”.

Of course, as you may have read in one of my previous entries, that wasn’t the case at all.

I was in radio for the wrong reasons. Worst of all, I was inadequately equipped in the area of communication skills. Fortunately, my being a beginner made me open to growth, however painful and embarrassing it was. Looking back, I believe that was the only good part of my adventure to the world of fm radio. If it were not for that open attitude to learning, I may not have had this opportunity that I so enjoy doing now.

Radio has four functions – to inform, educate, persuade, and to entertain. These functions are very much like our purpose when we communicate to another person. In our daily exchanges with others, we always perform one of these four functions of radio, if not all of it. So, if you think about it, each of us is a radio set within ourselves. There is always that natural feeling to reach out to others thru phone conversations, water cooler talks at the office, a small talk with a salesperson, meeting with co-workers, and the list of opportunities to communicate goes on. The only thing that makes us different from one another is our skill in being able to communicate our thoughts and feelings. Some of us may be able to express thoughts simply and correctly, or in a complicated manner; while others may not do so well.

There is a popular proverb in radio that says, “What a good communicator can say in 10 words, a better communicator can express in 6 words. What a better communicator can say in 6 words, a great communicator may say in 4”. You and I may possess either great communication skills, or perhaps better. Or it could be entirely the opposite – you and I may be struggling with our communication skills; a complete beginner; a trying-hard learner. In either ends of the spectrum, the “I don’t want to go on” trap is always present. Never fall to that trap. Keep your motivation to learn and your faith in yourself up. On my first radio program I shared this proverb which I got from a poster in my brothers’ room. It said, “When life gives you a wave, ride it to the end”. I didn’t know then that I would greatly benefit from that message.


The four functions of radio can be summed up in two words.

But I’d like to give you the chance to figure it out yourself… at least until my next entry is up.

One doesn’t have to be a radio guy (or girl) to become better in communicating in English. Yet, there are a lot of things that you and I can learn from communicators, from radio or any other mass media, that will surely help us out in attaining better communication skills. On this note, let me just tell you to have your pen and paper ready for some note taking on my next entry. If I may add, prepare a mirror too. The size doesn’t matter. Let’s do something fun.

The wave of learning never stops. It’s all up to you to give up enjoying the wave, or to ride it out while doing a handstand.

My genes are great, a gift from my parents.

My spelling, on the other hand, is not.

“Brocolli” – that’s the reason why I’m on radio and not on tv.

Walking on the Moon

We all have different stories to share about how another person makes an impact in our respective lives. These stories, or memories, come to life especially when that person’s journey in this planet comes to an end. If only there was a way of knowing when one’s time is up, that may just change the way some things play in our world somehow.

The world mourns the passing of Michael Jackson. To some he was a hero, an idol; to others, an inspiration; a brother; a father; a man; a friend; a teacher.

His life was as colorful as his illustrious career. Much has been said about his works. And as someone who was always under the glare of the spotlight from a very young age, much was said of his private life as well. For what it’s worth, he remained who he was to a great number of people – “The” Michael Jackson.

He never knew me. Our paths never crossed. Yet, through his music, he did quite a few things for me. I’m certain he also did some things for you too.

Thanks for sharing your passion, Michael. Regardless of how things were in your life, you remained firm and strong in sharing your craft.

In the eternal words of ABBA, “Thank you for the music”.

Happy “moon walking” Michael!

You’ll be missed.

Transformers – more than meets the mind.

It was very hard to imagine back when I was just a small boy how anyone could make a real-life movie of Transformers. I and my friends thought of some very crude ways. You couldn’t blame us for thinking in such “low-tech”. It was the 80’s, and we were in a beautiful rural town quite distant from the city. Away from any form of advance technology that was more advanced than my dads’ betamax player. We thought of having actors put on some cardboard boxes, or perhaps empty cigarette boxes to achieve some sort of resemblance to our robot idols. The word ‘body suit” did not even exist in our vocabulary then. All we could think about is that it would be a dream come true to see a real-life movie version of our favorite cartoons. Not that we did not like the animated Generation 1 Transformers, it’s just that it must be such an amazing thing to see on the big screen if such would be available. Just how would they make cars transform into speaking robots? In addition, can you just imagine the amount of cosmetics and paint such project would use?

Early mornings, before our parents would sound off the breakfast call, were spent discussing the countless “hows” and “why nots” of such dream or fantasy if you may. Finally, after a long time spent thinking and talking about the subject as if it were the only thing that mattered to us, we just resigned ourselves to the fact that the technology to put the show into a real-life flick was not available and perhaps may never be available at all in our lifetime.

Or so we thought…

A friend of mine, inspired by Transformers and many other popular cartoons of days gone, told himself that he will become an animation artist when he grows up. Not just your run-of –the-mill animation artist, but one of the greatest in the business, if not the best. We supported his dream. The thought of the next big cartoon TV show being a creation of a friend sent waves of excitement to each of us. Free betamax copies of the show we could enjoy and we wouldn’t be missing any episode at all. Isn’t that just great? Although, at the back of my mind, I thought perhaps his dream was just a passing thing. Very much like our fascination for our favorite cartoon TV show “The Transformers”, and our being kids.

Or so I thought…

My first take in the world of fm radio was not illustrious. It was not even close to mediocre. It was a complete disaster. The biggest factor to it was my English skill. All parts of it –svo, coherence, vocabulary, pronunciation, consistency, shifts, the list was endless. Had there been a prison sentence for grammar offenders, I would be writing on prison walls now instead of typing on this laptop. Perhaps I wouldn’t even learn how to type at all. I was a repeat offender; mighty good at it. I don’t know how I got in the training or what the dj’s saw in me when I auditioned for the slot. Radios biggest mistake: Me. I thought of quitting and sparing myself from more embarrassment and shame. Perhaps I am not meant to be in radio, I thought.


I’ve been in radio for more than half my life (I started really young and I did not quit). So far, it’s been great. My English remains a work in progress, but I’m so over the dark days -- the time when opening my mouth was always an “Are you sure about this?” moment. Relentless practice, study and observation helped me a lot in becoming better in my passion.

My childhood friend has realized his dream. He is now an animation artist in the big city. Though his ultimate dream of getting the best break remains elusive, he remains firm, full of conviction, and full of faith in developing his skill for that perfect opportunity that will come his way in time.

The Transformers, as you may have known by now, has conquered the planet for the second time. A very superb work of technology which was ginormously unimaginable in those sweet early morning discussions with my friends back in time. You bet I’m excited to watch it as soon as I can.

Looking back to the days when I thought that all of these would never happen, all I could say is, “What was I thinking?

Transformer. Are you?

Another Day in Paradise

This day would have been perfect only if it weren’t for the heat. The effects of global warming, according to the latest report, are already being felt. Weather patterns have been observed to have changed as we speak consequently affecting the seasons, the temperature, the sea levels, the supply of water, the different and already fragile ecosystems of the planet, and the very existence of humankind. No clear end is in sight unless man changes his ways and becomes more conscious of the relationship of his actions and its effects on the planet.

If only not for my horse…

My proper training in English started when I was around 17. I say proper because I was never that keen and conscious of my English skills, or the lack of it, when I was in Elementary, in High School, and even during my early college days. I always thought that my English was superb until I became the butt of jokes at the radio station. Nevertheless, it was a good lesson. Painful, funny I might add, but a very good lesson. You might wonder how I must have gotten out of that painful experience. Here’s what I did:

1. Accepted the fact that I lacked good English communication skills.
2. I visualized what I could become if my English was way better.
3. Practice, Practice, and more Relentless Practice.

Awareness is a good thing. It keeps our eyes fixed on the prize that we aim to receive. My awareness of my poor skills made me appreciate the value of visualization – of imagining, feeling, and having a picture in my mind of how it would feel once my skills have improved. It helped me and it continues to do so up to this very moment in my quest to acquire better English communication skills.

Practice was the tough part. Yet, it was the most fun part of learning. Try this:

Name of English exercise: Word Play

How to do:

1. Think of any word that is easy to picture or imagine.
Example: coffee

2. Identify words, at least ten words, which are easily related or pictured with the word you chose. In this example it’s coffee. If ten words are too much, 5 words are ok.

Example: cookie, mug, morning, meetings, breakfast, sugar, cream, spoon, aroma, hot (water)

3. Imagine each word/picture. Feel the unique characteristics of each word/picture.
Imagine how great a cookie looks, smells, and tastes. Imagine your coffee mug, its color, texture, and its weight when you hold it. Imagine the look of delight on your co-workers faces when coffee is served in a meeting…

4. From your imagination of the words, make a sentence for each. Simply put, just put your imagination into words.

Example:
Coffee makes my morning perfect
My breakfast is not complete without a warm cup of Joe (coffee)
I like my coffee black. Sugar and cream are for wimps.
My favorite mug is a gift from my wife.
Do you prefer using chopsticks or do you prefer spoon and fork?
The day is terribly hot.


You don’t have to come up with long and complex sentences. Simple sentences are ok for this exercise.

Remember that the point of this exercise is to get our brains to think in English, and to exercise our tongues to speak in English. If you are skilled enough to make long and complex sentences, then I suggest you do that. On the other hand, if you feel that you are more comfortable with making simple sentences, go ahead. The important part here is the practice that this exercise gives us. As it had been said again and again, practice makes perfect

And practice I hope you will. Starting a new habit always seems difficult at the start. Yet, once you’ve done the first few steps, you’ll be looking forward to making more progress.

I hope this exercise helps a lot in your quest to become better in English. It would be nice to hear from you how this simple exercise helped you in any way. Let’s share with other learners how you are able to apply this exercise as a regular part of your life. I’m sure your experience can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to others who share our passion in learning English.

Thank you for taking the time to read. I really appreciate it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll have to go out and plant a tree.


If only not for my horse…



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How did I get here?

Had it not been for my crazy decision to be in the world of media some years ago, I would not have realized the importance of being able to deeply understand and learn English. Having grown up in an environment where everyday offered an opportunity to hear English, I thought that my command of the language was good enough. Hearing the music playing on the stereo (remember those big Akai stereos with the am/fm receivers, cassette tape player, and the turntable?), watching the evening news in black & white, as well as the popular tv shows like “the A-team”, “Charlie’s Angels”, “Wonderwoman”, “Batman” provided me with a constant supply of new words to discover on a daily basis.

I thought I was good in English, and that I was good in speaking too having mastered my self-introduction just before I was four years old, and having mastered a few nursery rhymes as well. Fast forward to when I was 15, an age where ones’ confidence fluctuates, a life-changing event struck me. During one training session for fm dj’s at a local radio station, I was judged the last. Worst of all, I was labeled a bore. Not you’re usual boring guy, but the extra special bore in the group. I was so boring that the sun would hurry up to set in the west just so it wouldn’t hear my boring thoughts. You can imagine how embarrassing that moment was. Truth be told, it was the worst day of my teenage life.

On the contrary, what I didn’t know was that that event was a pivotal moment in my life. It made me realize a lot of things and the most important of which is that I must do everything that I can to become better in English. Learning English, as most may say, is never easy especially at the beginning when your confidence is at its lowest. It was the same for me. But just like you, I couldn’t give up or tell myself that I have learned enough. Learning English was a daily activity for me, and it remains being so today and tomorrow. Yet, unlike before, learning it has gradually become not as difficult as I thought it was. It’s easier now. Learning it is a long process but the pay-off is certainly rewarding. From my experience I dispense this advice: Never stop learning. Read English, listen to English, think English, and speak English every chance you get. As a proverb says, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Learn English but don’t be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes. Remember that awareness is a good thing.

My profession as an online English teacher gives me the privilege of sharing the learning that I have had over time to other learners. It has also given me the chance to learn from my students, my partners in learning. I would love to share and to learn with you too. Speaking of sharing, my next entry will be about some of the ways that helped me improve my English skills. Make sure you got your pen and paper ready. Till then! Thank you for reading.

Online English Teacher

Hi, my name is Rey.

A popular saying says, "Practice makes perfect." Practice, learn and improve your English skills with us today!